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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe spinal pain during the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training responds during actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."

He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."